31 Juli 2014

C-295 medium lift aircraft (photo : militaryphotos)EADS Construcciones Aeronauticas SA, a Spanish firm, was confirmed by the Department of National Defense as the supplier for Philippine Air Force’s three medium lift fixed wing aircraft. DND issued a Notice to Proceed to EADS CASA signed by National Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin. The said notice was received by EADS CASA last March 28, 2014.The said firm, EADS CASA, will be providing the Air Force with three C295 planes for PhP 5,288,609,983.99. C295 is a smaller aircraft compared to C130.“The Airbus Military C295 is a new generation, very robust and reliable, highly versatile tactical airlifter able to carry up to nine tonnes of payload or up to 71 personnel, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 kt /480 km/h,” the plane’s manufacturer described.“The aircraft performs any type of mission: from personnel, troop and bulky/palletised cargo transportation to casualty evacuation, communication and logistic duties, search and rescue, surveillance and control, homeland security, or certified air-dropping,” it added.(AngMalaya)

30 Juli 2014

NUSQN 725 Operations Officer LCDR Nigel Rowan conducts pre-flight checks on the 'Hellfire' prior to launch from the MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo', in Florida, United States of America. (photo : Aus DoD)The Royal Australian Navy’s newest maritime combat helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk ‘Romeo’, has successfully fired its first ‘Hellfire’ missile in the United States.The AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missile was fired by Navy’s 725 Squadron from aircraft currently deployed to the United States Navy’s Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Centre off the Florida coast.Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, said the Seahawk Romeo’s cutting edge mission systems provided a formidable naval platform.“Navy’s next generation submarine hunter and anti-surface warfare helicopter will be the cornerstone of our working Navy’s aviation combat capability.“The new aircraft’s multi-mission and multi-target precision strike capabilities will increase our versatility and potency as a high-end fighting force,” RADM Mayer said.The head of the Helicopter and Guided Weapons Division in the Defence Materiel Organisation, Rear Admiral Tony Dalton, said the successful Hellfire missile firing was a major milestone in delivering Defence’s Project AIR 9000 Phase 8.

Aircraft 902 from NUSQN 725 fires the first 'Hellfire' missile from the MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo', in Florida, United States of America. (photo : Aus DoD)“This $3.2 billion acquisition program is providing Navy with a state-of-the-art, helicopter based war-fighting capability–our journey through production, acceptance and now testing of the aircraft’s major weapon systems has been steady, effective, ahead of schedule, and on budget.“The Seahawk Romeo is a quantum leap over Navy’s current combat helicopter force–both in numbers and capability,” RADM Dalton said.Defence took delivery of the first two of 24 Seahawk Romeos in the United States in December 2013 at Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems Facility in Owego, New York. Two more aircraft were accepted in February 2014.All four aircraft are being operated by Navy’s 725 Squadron alongside three US Navy Seahawk Romeo squadrons based out of the US Navy’s Jacksonville air station in Florida.Ultimately, two Seahawk Romeo squadrons will be home based at Navy’s Nowra, New South Wales, air station, with 725 Squadron conducting Seahawk Romeo training and 816 Squadron flying the Seahawk Romeo from Navy’s ANZAC Class frigates and the new Hobart Class destroyers.A further two MH-60R will be delivered in October 2014. Deliveries will continue during 2015 with the 24th and final aircraft being delivered in 2016. 725 Squadron personnel and their aircraft will be brought home to Australia at the end of 2014.(Aus DoD)

29 Juli 2014

Nulka active missile decoy (image & photo : shipmodels)Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston today announced the Government has given First Pass approval to update the Nulka Active Missile Decoy launch capability under project SEA 1397 Phase 5B.Nulka is a sophisticated anti ship missile defence system, jointly developed by Australia and the United States during the 1990s, and today is in service with the Royal Australian Navy and the navies of the United States and Canada.By 2019, the Nulka system will be fitted to 166 ships worldwide, including protecting United States aircraft carriers.“I am pleased to be able to announce that the Government has approved First Pass for SEA 1397 Phase 5B – Nulka launch sub-system upgrade, including around $45 million in funding,” Senator Johnston said.“This project aims to update and replace the existing Nulka launch sub-system for Australian ships.”The existing fire control and launcher sub systems were introduced into service in 1997, and have obsolescence and sustainment issues.

This project will update the launch system with newer technology and also enhance its effectiveness.When finalised, the updated system will be installed into the Navy’s ANZAC Class Frigates and Hobart Class Destroyers. Work will also be undertaken to fit Nulka to the Canberra Class Amphibious Ships.Overall this program will contribute to the protection of these ships against anti ship missiles well into the future.The total cost of SEA 1397 Phase 5B is $100 $300 million (middle of the band).Defence will now commence First to Second Pass activities, which include engineering design and risk reduction activities.Initial development of the updated launch system is proposed to be conducted by BAE Systems Australia, the original equipment manufacturer of the Nulka capability, however there may be opportunities for wider Australian industry involvement as the project progresses.The Government expects to make a decision on the final launch sub system capability in 2017.The upgraded capability is expected to be introduced into operational service from around 2020.(Aus DoD)

Saab sees its upgraded RBS-70NG missile system as part of a possible solution to the Australian requirement. (photo : Saab)MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — Australia plans to include a replacement for its Saab RBS-70 very-short-range air defense missile system in its next Defence Capability Plan.The Australian Army uses the RBS-70 system, along with the Lockheed Martin PSTAR-ER radar, to fulfill its ground-based air defense (GBAD) requirements, but an Australian Defence Force (ADF) spokesperson confirmed the combination was not considered adequate to defeat future threats.“It is a dated, line-of-sight system missile that provides very-short-range GBAD and lacks the sensors, range and performance to protect against the likely threats of today’s helicopters, UAVs, stand-off aerial weapons, cruise missiles and rockets, artillery, mortars,” the spokesperson said.The ADF is developing future ground-based air and missile defense requirements and examining options in the marketplace.The new system will be acquired under the ongoing Project Land 17 Phase 7B, but has yet to gain much traction.“The system is planned to provide the Joint Force with persistent defense against advanced threats including aircraft, helicopters,” the spokesperson said. “Land 19 Phase 7B is planned to have wide utility across many types of defense operations, not just application in conventional warlike operations.”The Australian government will give first pass approval in fiscal 2016-2017, which the ADF says will allow time to initiate formal market solicitation. Acquisition is estimated to be between AUS $500 million (US $469 million) and AUS $1 billion.Government approval for acquisition would be sought in fiscal 2017-2018.Army initial operational capability is planned for fiscal 2020 to 2021.“Land 19 Phase 7B will enhance or replace the existing GBAD system to allow it to function as a complete ground-based force protection system,” the ADF spokesperson said. “In a traditional combat setting it is planned to perform its core functions of airspace surveillance and identification, target tracking, target interception and destruction to provide an enhanced level of protection against current and emerging threats.”The spokesperson said the project is modeled after the National Advanced surface-to-air missile system used by a number of European nations, and also by the US National Guard in defense of Washington.“The US chose a ground-based system as the other options of continuous air combat patrols or permanently stationed air-warfare ships were more expensive, manpower-intensive and less persistent,” a spokesman for the project office said. “It was due to this system maturity and broad user group that it was selected as an exemplar to allow the early development work to progress.”In 2012, the Australian Army took delivery of three Saab Giraffe agile multibeam (GAMB) radar systems under an urgent acquisition process to provide its base at Tarin Kot in Afghanistan with a counter-rocket, artillery and mortar capability.Since the Australian withdrawal of most of its forces from Afghanistan, the two operational GAMB radars have been returned to Australia (the third had been retained locally for training) but do not have a clear role in domestic operations.Saab Australia sees the Giraffe AMB, together with its upgraded RBS-70NG missile system, as a possible solution to the Australian requirement.The missiles used by the RBS-70NG are identical to those in the earlier system already in use with the Army and comprise the third-generation Mk.2, with an effective range of 7 kilometers at heights up to 4,000 meters; and the fourth-generation Bolide round, capable of knocking down targets at distances up to 8 kilometers and altitudes up to 5,000 meters.The company says the major change is to the sight, which has an integrated thermal imager, an auto-tracking system to improve aiming and guidance, automatic after-action video capability, and 3D visual cueing. This feature receives data from the surveillance radar, allowing the operator to find the target without actually seeing it first.Saab officials claim that during recent comparative trials in India, RBS-70NG operators were getting their shot away before their competitors systems had even acquired the target.The RBS-70NG also incorporates an identify friend or foe interrogator system as standard equipment while Saab works to integrate it with land vehicles, delivering a tactical, mobile GBAD system.The company is proposing to upgrade Australia’s GAMB radars, including provision of a Link 16 datalink, and swap out the RBS-70 launchers for the upgraded equipment at what it claims is a modest cost.The company has also integrated other missile systems with GAMB, including Raytheon’s I-Hawk and Diehl’s IRIS-T.“We think it will be attractive to the ADF because Australia is already an RBS-70 user,” explained Jessica Rylander, an engineer with Saab’s Dynamics branch. “And the difference from an operator’s perspective is the increased” kill probability, she said.The RBS-70NG sight enhances the capability of the Bolide missile by reducing tracking noise, increasing maneuverability and improving performance against small targets at maximum range, according to Saab.“The RBS-70NG and Giraffe AMB solution is designed to address targets such as small UAVs, cruise missiles and helicopters in the 2025 space,” added Mat Jones, Saab Asia-Pacific business development manager.“We are investing a lot of time, effort and money into GBAD, to ensure the architecture is future-proofed. The RBS-70NG/GAMB combination could provide a step change in capability, within the existing budget,” said Jones.But much will depend on the final specifications mandated by Land 19/7B when the Defence Capability Plan is made public next year.(DefenseNews)

Mactan, Cebu (image : GoogleMaps)CEBU CITY -- The Philippine Navy is planning to convert their naval base in Mactan, Cebu into the new home for its Philippine Fleet.Vice Admiral Jesus Millan, the Philippine Navy's Flag Officer in Command, said Cebu is the ideal site to accommodate the Philippine Fleet because it is the hub of all the shipping companies and repair facilities and its accessibility to air and sea ports."Considering the strength of the area, this will be the official place and home for all our support and current floating assets and those that will be acquired in the future,” Millan said.Millan said he has asked Commodore Ronald Joseph Mercado, the new Naval Forces Central (Navforcen) chief, to make Cebu's Naval Base Rafael Ramos as a hub for all its ground and sea assets under the Philippine Fleet.Mercado, who hails from Banawa, Cebu City, replaced former Navforcen commander Commodore Reynaldo Yoma, who will be the new commander of the Western Mindanao Naval Forces.Mercado was last assigned with the Offshore Combat Force of the Philippine Navy.Mercado said he is willing to take the challenge as the new Navforcen chief.He also vowed to continue and strengthen the humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the Visayas."We need to be more prepared after what we have experienced and we already learned our lesson," Mercado said.Millan said Yoma did well particularly when he faced three major man-made and natural calamities -- a sea collision, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Cebu and Bohol, and super typhoon Yolanda in most parts of the Visayas -- during his stint.(InterAksyon)

26 Juli 2014

RSAF F-15SG (photo : USAF)The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the United States Air Force (USAF)-hosted Exercise Red Flag - Nellis at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, United States, from 14 to 26 Jul 2014.The RSAF has deployed 8 F-15SG and 8 F-16C/D fighter aircraft, 3 CH-47 helicopters, and about 290 personnel from its Peace Carvin II, Peace Carvin V, and Peace Prairie detachments in the United States, to participate in this air combat exercise. They are exercising with 83 other aircraft, including the USAF's F-22, F-15, F-16 and EA-18G fighter aircraft, and the E-3 airborne early warning aircraft, and a C-130 from the French Air Force (FAF).Exercise Red Flag - Nellis is a combat training exercise that allows participants to execute air combat and strike operations in a realistic, high-threat environment to enhance their combat readiness and operational capabilities.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force's F-15SG (airborne) and the United States Air Force's (USAF) F-15Cs (lining up for flight) taking off on a mission at Exercise Red Flag-Nellis. (photo : Sing Mindef)Highlighting the significance of the RSAF's participation in the exercise, Lieutenant Colonel Tham Yeow Min, the RSAF Peace Carvin V Detachment Commander, said, "We value the opportunity to train alongside our USAF and FAF counterparts in this large-scale exercise as it allows us to hone our operational competencies. This high-end exercise provides the RSAF with an opportunity to benchmark itself against other leading air forces. The RSAF has always done well at Exercise Red Flag - Nellis, and the RSAF F-15SGs will continue to uphold the high standards."This is the inaugural participation of the RSAF's F-15SGs in Exercise Red Flag - Nellis, which the RSAF has been taking part in since 1982. The exercise also underscores the excellent and long-standing defence relationship between the United States and Singapore.(Sing Mindef)

P-38 high-speed interceptor boat from United Engineering Services with max spped +55 knots (all photos : UES)Navy ready to protect Sabah watersKOTA KINABALU: The Royal Malaysian Navy, which has helped thwart pirates in international waters, is well placed off Sabah’s east coast to protect the country’s security against external threats.Taking the role as the “mother ship” is naval vessel Bunga Mas 5, which will serve as a forward sea base equipped with high-speed interceptor boats, radar surveillance and helicopters.The three interceptor combat boats (CB90) will be used together with the rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) that are currently being used by the navy’s elite sea commando unit (Paskal) and two new boats that were recently acquired by the navy – the Silver Brize and P38 craft.“The Bunga Mas 5 is the right choice to be placed in the area as it has a surveillance radar system and is equipped with helicopters to carry out night operations over long distances,” said navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar.

He said it helped thwart the attacks by Somali pirates against ships crossing the Gulf of Aden.Admiral Abdul Aziz said the navy would also be sending in warship KD Lekiu, which was equipped with a Super Link aircraft, to the eastern Sabah waters.“I am confident with the presence of Bunga Mas 5 and the other assets, we will able to act against the intruders,” he said here yesterday.He said the helicopters, capable of operating at night, were seen as the best option in protecting borders against unwanted elements.On his earlier order of “shoot on sight” against intruders, Admiral Abdul Aziz said it “can be frustrating for our navy personnel to not shoot at an identified enemy during hot pursuit within the country’s waters”.“This is due to constraints in operational directives,” he added.(The Star)

RAAF AU-1 and AU-2 F-35A aircraft (all photos : Australian Aviation)The first two Australian F-35A aircraft, known as AU-1 and AU-2, rolled out of the Lockheed-Martin F-35 facility in Fort Worth on 24 July 2014.Senator Mathias Cormann, representing the Minister for Defence, Senator David Johnston, attended the event in Fort Worth to mark the milestone. Senator Johnston was unable to attend the event due to pressing Government business linked to the MH-17 tragedy.At the ceremony attended by senior US Government and Defence representatives, Senator Cormann said that the F-35A will provide ‘leading edge’ air combat capabilities for the Australian Defence Force for decades to come.“The most recent approval by this Government of a further tranche of 58 F-35A aircraft on top of the 14 already approved certainly sends a strong message about the Coalition’s commitment to building a stronger defence force, and to contributing significantly to security in our region,” he said.

Senator Cormann said that being a Partner in the F-35 program is not just about the leading edge capability it represents, but also about the access it provides to advanced aerospace technology, and also for the way it has transformed parts of the Australian aerospace industrial base.“The US-Australian Alliance and engagement on collaborative defence programs is crucial to Australia maintaining the capability edge it needs,” he said.

Senator Cormann said there were several significant opportunities for Australian industry, including making 722 sets of vertical tails for the F-35, producing composite panels for the fuselage of the F-35, manufacturing the weapons carriers, decoy flares, and other components.“With the commitment and support of Lockheed Martin and Pratt and Whitney, a steady F-35 production ramp up, and a continuing favourable Australian dollar, I expect Australian industry do very well on the F-35 program over many years. Some 30 Australian companies have been directly involved in the F-35 program to date, and more than $412 million in production orders have been won with only about 3 per cent of aircraft production completed to date,” he said.

The Government expects that Australia’s commitment to purchase any further aircraft will be reciprocated by a commitment from Lockheed Martin to increase these large opportunities for Australian Industry. Following a period of aircraft airworthiness and acceptance activities, these two aircraft will ferry to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where they will be inducted into the 61st Fighter Squadron where US and Australian F-35 pilots will train side-by-side.Initial RAAF pilot training will begin in the United States in early 2015.From 2018 the Australian Defence Force will commence ferry flights of JSF aircraft to Australia.(Aus DoD)

The Sea Hercules internal arrangements and mission endurance. Images Lochkeed Martin, text is mine (image : ukarmedforcescommentary)One week old Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff disclosed United Stated will be giving the Philippine Air Force two Lockheed C-130 “Hercules” planes.“I just talked to our US counterparts, they told us they are making available another two C-130s to address our humanitarian assistance disaster relief concerns,” the AFP Chief said.Currently, the Air Force has three operational C-130s that are being used heavily during relief operations.On the other news, the Department of National Defense is looking to procure two long-range patrol aircraft. Lockheed Martin, is offering to turn Philippine Air Force’s C-130s into maritime patrol aircraft by fitting them with surveillance systems. If this contract pushes through, only half of DND’s allocated budget will be spent.“Now is the time to get these sales—to make sure you get those future sales over the next 15 years,” a representative from Lockheed said. “If we don’t get in now, then a Korea or an Israel certainly will.”(AngMalaya)

24 Juli 2014

Airbus Military C295 aircraft (photo : Brian Pace Malta)The three C295 transport aircraft that Vietnam has ordered from Airbus Defence and Space (DS) are scheduled to enter service with the Vietnamese air force from 2015, IHS Jane's understands.The purchase contract - thought to be secured in 2013 at a cost of about USD100 million - also includes the supply of spares, maintenance, and training to the air force, which is expected to take delivery of the aircraft at intervals of about six months.It is also understood that the aircraft are being sold to Vietnam in a basic transport configuration with no additional mission systems included. Airbus DS's production of Vietnam's first C295 aircraft, which is currently under way in Seville, Spain, was revealed by IHS Jane's in June, although contract details have not previously been disclosed.(Jane's)

Bell Helicopter Textron Canada UH-1 helicopter (photo : militaryphotos)MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Canadian Trade Minister Edward Fast discussed the two countries' increasing defense cooperation as well as a helicopter project.Gazmin and Fast highlighted the recently signed contract for $105 million (P4.5 billion) for firm Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd. to supply eight specialized helicopters for the Philippine armed forces."This contract is an outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Canadian Commercial Corporation and the Department of National Defence of the Philippines," a statement released by the Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada said.The agency said Fast expressed Canada's continuing interest in assisting the Philippines advance its defense and security agenda.The Philippines is gearing to attain a minimum credible defense posture especially in the maritime domain amid concerns on China's increasing militarization in Philippine-claimed areas in the South China Sea.In February, the Philippines and Canada also signed an agreement seeking to improve capabilities of Filipino soldiers by providing them training opportunities.Another Canadian firm, Eagle Copters Ltd. in a joint venture with American company Rice Aircraft Services Inc., bagged a deal with Manila to supply UH-1 combat utility helicopters in December 2013.The Canadian minister, meanwhile, said that the deal highlights Canada's capabilities as manufacturer and supplier in the defense and security sector.Fast led a trade mission in the Philippines from July 21 to 22, focusing in opportunities in agriculture, defense, information and communications technology sectors.(PhilStar)

PAL LPD 125 (photo : PAL)The Myanmar Navy (MN) and Indonesian naval shipbuilder PT PAL are in talks over the MN's potential purchase of landing platform docks (LPDs) to bolster sealift and amphibious capabilities, IHS Jane's understands.The two parties have recently entered what have been described to IHS Jane's as "preliminary discussions" about the MN's acquisition of a small number of vessels based on PT PAL's Makassar-class LPD, which in turn is based on a design by South Korea's Dae Sun Shipbuilding and Engineering.PT PAL has delivered five Makassar-class LPDs to the Indonesian Navy and in June signed a contract to supply the Philippine Navy (PN) with two LPDs based on the same design.(Jane's)

USAF C130 Hercules (photo : avioners)MANILA, Philippines — The United States will give two Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" planes to the Philippines, newly appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang revealed.In a state report, Catapang disclosed the impending donation in a visit to the 1st Air Division headquarters in Clark Field, Pampanga, citing American military officials."I just talked to our US counterparts [and] they told us they are making available another two C-130s to address our humanitarian assistance disaster relief concerns," Catapang said.The United States military has deployed a humanitarian mission to the Visayas after the onslaught of deadly typhoon Yolanda, which took thousands of lives and destroyed countless homes.Catapang said that the Americans extended the offer after learning of President Aquino's plans to acquire new cargo aircrafts for the military.The existing C-130 planes of the Air Force figured heavily in the transport of relief goods for victims of typhoon Yolanda and equipment needed by government troops involved in the efforts last year.In November last year, former AFP chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista announced that the country seeks to procure two more C-130 planes to improve disaster relief operations."We are in the process of acquiring two more C-130s. As you very well know, we only have three C-130s. In terms of strategic lift, C-130s are very important," Bautista said.Ideally, he said the Philippine Air Force should have at least nine C-130s.(PhilStar)

Kongsberg Group Joint Strike Missile (JSM) (image : devotek)Australia is seeking expanded engagement in Norway's air-launched anti-ship Kongsberg Joint Strike Missile (JSM) programme, the Department of Defence (DoD) in Canberra confirmed to IHS Jane's on 21 July.The collaboration project is framed around both countries' participation in the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter programme. The JSM has been conceived as a precision-strike missile specifically designed for the internal carriage in F-35A and F-35C variants of the aircraft.A spokesman from the DoD said that although Australian industry has previously participated in the JSM programme, new rounds of discussions between the two countries are focused on potentially expanding collaboration with a focus on the missile's integration onto the F-35.(Jane's)

DND will acquire 2 RHIBs (photo : north sea boats)The Department of National Defense (DND) said on Tuesday that it is allocating P63,159,000 to acquire two rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) for the Philippine Navy.The money will be sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Funds and the contract will include an integrated logistic support for the craft, DND said.The RHIBs will be used by the PN for "maritime interdiction and GOPLAT takedown missions."The craft must be able to cruise at speeds of 45 knots, withstand and still be functional at Sea State 4, and capable of carrying 14 passengers (including four crewmen).Interested bidders must have completed a similar project within the last 10 years and must be able to deliver the RHIBs within 180 calendar days from the issuance of the notice to proceed.Pre-bid conference is slated at 9 a.m. on July 31 at the PVAO Conference Room, Andres Bonifacio Hall, PVAO Compound, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.Bid opening is set on Aug. 13, also in the same venue.(PNA)

22 Juli 2014

AU-1, seen here being towed to the paintshop, will be officially rolled out on July 24. (photo : Lockheed Martin)The first of up to 100 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighters for the RAAF will be formally rolled out on July 24.The aircraft – designated AU-1 – will be ceremonially handed over to RAAF and government officials at the company’s Fort Worth facility.It will then be taken to a flight line hangar for final work before first flight, and will subsequently be delivered to the USAF’s F-35 schoolhouse at Luke AFB in Arizona where it will be pooled with other US and partner nation F-35As for training.At present only two F-35As have been contracted by Australia, while long-lead items for a follow-on batch of 12 aircraft have also been paid for. A further 58 F-35As have been approved by government, and these will be ordered as the production lots for these aircraft are contracted by the US government.The RAAF’s first two F-35A pilots are due to commence training on the aircraft late this year and early next year.(Australian Aviation)